Method and apparatus for generating three coordinate signals x, y, z for an x, y, z display device

ABSTRACT

A composite signal is transmitted via a transmission line to an x, y, z display device. The composite signal contains in each of a plurality of predetermined time intervals an identifiable signal. The first signal of said composite signal is a synchronizing start signal. The other signals contain varying information. In the display device there are generated an x-, a y- and a z-coordinate signal. These coordinate signals are generated such that in said predetermined time intervals with reference to the synchronizing start signal and in predetermined varying combinations two of these three coordinate signals are developed and determined by the display device, whereas the remaining third coordinate signal is developed by the display device, but is determined from one of the other signals of the composite signal received via the transmission line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating anx-, a y-, and a z-coordinate signal for an x, y, z display device.

The term x, y, z display device shall include in particular andpreferably x, y, z oscilloscopes of any type. However, this term shallalso include all types of x, y, z printers which are suitable for signalrecording in the x, y, z mode by means of an active element such as astylus or printing jet, in particular ink jet printers.

The invention can be employed in any field in which test signals areobtained or measured and displayed on display devices. However, thepreferred area of application for this invention is the field ofelectromedicine.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the field of electromedicine, signals which give information aboutthe patient's status are taken from a patient's body via electrodes orsensors in a variety of forms. Such body signals, called alsophysiological signals are, for instance, electrocardiogram (EKG)signals, blood pressure signals, respiratory signals, temperaturesignals, CO₂ content signals indicating the carbon dioxide content inthe blood or respiration gas of a patient. Such signals are normallydisplayed on a suitable display device, e.g., an oscilloscope or arecorder.

The display of measured signals such as body signals of a patient, on adisplay device such as an x, y, z display device presents no problems iffor each measurement location, that is e.g. for each individual patient,a separate display device is used. This display device should operateentirely independently of display devices of other measurementlocations, e.g., other patients.

A first problem arises, however, if display devices assigned todifferent measurement locations are to be coupled with a central stationor with one another, so as to make it possible to transmit signal imagesof one display device to a central station or to another display device.This coupling should be performed at lowest possible cost and withoutdistortion of the images.

Added to this first problem is a second problem. This occurs when inaddition to test signals, which normally are present in analog form,also alphanumerical symbols such as numbers, letters or other symbols,are to be transmitted between and displayed by separate display devicesor between display devices and a central station.

Heretofore, such signal mixtures of analog signals and alphanumericalcharacter signals could, without too great an expense, be transmittedonly within chains by means of video receivers. The image resolution ofvideo receivers, however, is low. In particular, in the medical sector,it is not sufficient for the desired degree of image resolution ofphysiological signals. Character transmission is sometimes difficult.

A sufficiently good image resolution may be obtained with simple x, y, zdisplay devices, in particular, with normal x, y, z oscilloscopes. Usingthese devices, analog signals and character signals have already beendisplayed jointly with a high degree of resolution. However, in theprior art both signals were only displayed on a single device. Couplingwith other devices with the possibility of image transmission betweenall or some of these devices of the system at comparatively low cost hasheretofore been impossible. Such instrumentation or system requirestransmission of high frequency, wide bandwidth data. It was typicallyaccomplished with multiple coaxial cables at considerable expense. Infact, as is known, unblanking pulses for the z-control of an x, y, zdisplay device for the display of an alphanumerical character, have avery high frequency and a large bandwidth. To date, transmission of suchcharacters between individual display devices at acceptably low cost andwithout distortion was hardly feasible because of the differentfrequency transit times resulting from the different delay times in thetransmission paths between the various display devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. Objects

It is the object of this invention to provide a method whereby an x-, ay- and a z-coordinate signal can be generated for an x, y, z displaydevice such that an image signal can be composed of both analog signalsand alphanumerical characters.

It is another object of this invention to provide such a method whichresults in images having a high degree of image resolution.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a method whereina composite signal comprising analog and alphanumeric data containsimmediately recognizable information in coherent, indivisible segments,such that the composite signal may be received at a plurality ofrecording and/or display devices where the appropriate segments may beselected for desired displays and/or recordings.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an operationalmethod for a single x, y, x display device so that, when a plurality ofsuch display devices are coupled together in any configuration with orwithout a central station, image signal transmission between individualdisplay devices or between display devices and the central station, ifpresent, is possible, said method providing a high image resolution andyet requiring comparatively little expense.

It is still another object of this invention to provide such a methodwhich can be used in electromedicine, particularly in the field ofpatient monitoring.

It is still another object of this invention to provide an apparatuswhich operates according to the method of invention.

2. Summary

According to this invention, the method for generating for generatingthe three coordinate signals for an x, y, z display device contains thefollowing steps:

(a) transmitting a composite signal to said display device, saidcomposite signal containing in each of a plurality of predetermined timeintervals an identifiable signal, the first signal of said compositesignal being a synchronizing start signal, and the other signalscontaining varying information; and

(b) generating said x-, y- and z-coordinate signals in said displaydevice such that in said predetermined time intervals with reference tosaid synchronizing start signal and in predetermined varyingcombinations

two of these three coordinate signals are developed and determined bysaid display device, whereas

the remaining third coordinate signal is developed by said displaydevice, but is determined from one of said other signals of saidcomposite signal received via said transmission line.

The apparatus for the practice of the method according to the inventionis characterized by:

a. A start signal generator outside the display device for thegeneration of a start signal (alternately, the device itself maygenerate the start signal);

b. An x-generator inside the display devide for the generation of anx-reset and x-coordinate signal as first and second time functions ofthe start signal;

c. A y-generator inside the display device for the generation of thosesignals of the y-coordinate signal whose form is preset, as a third timefunction of the start signal;

d. A z-generator inside the display device for the generation of thosesignals of the z-coordinate signal whose form is preset, as a fourthtime function of the start signal;

e. A first signal generator outside the display device which furnishesthe sweep configuration code;

f. A second signal generator outside the display device which furnishesthe first information variable;

g. A third signal generator outside the display device which furnishesthe second information variable;

h. A signal control system which, by decoding the sweep configurationcode, introduces into the signal display said second and said thirdinformation variable.

The invention utilizes the fact that the x,y,z-coordinate signals to begenerated always contain at least in part those signal components whichcan be generated in the display device itself as so-called"device-specific" signal quantities. Thus, each display device containsa generator for the x-deflection. It is sufficient, therefore, if merelya start signal for the activation of an x-deflection is sent over thetransmission line. The same is true for "device-specific" signalquantities in the y-coordinate signal and in the z-coordinate signal.Here, too, each of these quantities can be generated in the displaydevice in appropriate time dependence on the start signal itself. Allthat needs to be transmitted further is the respective informationvariable for the purpose of positioning (centering) on the displaydevice in the pauses between the "device-specific" y- and z-signalsgenerated in the display device itself.

In the case of the y-positioning of analog signals, the informationvariable may be e.g., the analog signal. The z-signal is z-constant,that is, the recording beam of the display device (e.g., electron beamin the x, y, z oscilloscope) is constantly intensified during the timespan of the y-positioning of the analog signal. If together with theanalog signal (or, for multi-channel display devices, together withseveral analog signals) also alphanumerical characters, as inparticular, quantities or limits of the analog signals or also bednumbers of patients, are to be represented in the form of numbers and/orletters, these characters need not themselves be transmitted to thedisplay device when the invention is applied. It suffices, instead, topermanently install a character generator in the respective displaydevice. Then, in fact, it suffices to transmit digital address signalsas an information variable in the composite signal transmission. Thesedigital address signals become character addresses in the display devicecharacter generator; the character generator thereupon generates,according to the activated address, gating signals for an unblankinggenerator which, in synchronism with a simultaneously generatedy-raster, generates character unblanking signals at the display device.The y-raster is simply that signal within the y-coordinate signal whichis generated as a time function of the respective start signal.

The invention thus permits the composition of a signal image from analogquantities and characters over a single signal path practically withoutappreciable loss of time and distortion. The transmission of preciseinformation is accomplished by a comprehensible digital code, while theanalog signal resolution is compatible with the accuracy requirementsfor that information. Display of the signals including the characters isin the x, y, z mode. The flow of all signals is continuous. Accordingly,all necessary signal components are available in each single device as aso-called composite video signal, on the one hand, for continuousdisplay on the device-specific x,y.z oscilloscope; on the other hand,the signal flow of the composite video signal can be supplied to aspecific devide output (composite video output). Thence, it can then besent to a composite video bus. If then, e.g., in the case of need, i.e.,in particular, in case of alarm at one of the devices, the output signalof the respective device is to be placed on another device (e.g.,directly or via a central station), it suffices to connect, by means ofa switch or the like, the composite video output of one (e.g.,alarm-giving) device with the composite video input of the other devicevia the corresponding composite video signal bus. In such a case, thereappears in the recording section of the connected device that signalwhich is just then being recorded on the other device (e.g., that of thealarm). If a device configuration consists, e.g., of a plurality ofindividual bedside devices connected in star form with a centralstation, then, according to a special development of the invention, thecomposite video output of each device is conducted to the centralstation in corresponding star form, whence a central composite videosignal bus is transmitted to the composite video inputs of theindividual devices via a central composite video output. In case ofchain connection without separate central station, however, all bedsidedevices are connected to a single bus, the role of a central stationbeing assumed always specifically by that device of the chain which justthen is being connected to the bus, enabling the display of itsinformation on another device.

In a preferred development of the invention, for the start of anx-deflection, a synchronizing signal (x-synchronizing pulses) is given,followed within a presettable time span, e.g., 80 μs, by the sweepconfiguration signal (configuration word). This configuration signalestablishes all following y-components in accordance with the originalpicture to be reproduced of another device in location-, form-, andtime-correct position on the activated device. The configuration signalsare digital signals which transmit coded information about the zero andscaling of the y-coordinate signal, while the activated device generatesthe associated components and the pattern of the respective y-rasterautomatically according to the transmitted code. The configurationsignal is then followed appropriately by a first sequence of digitalcharacter addresses for character representations. The digital characteraddresses are thus transmitted during that time span in which a rapidy-character raster is simultaneously produced in the receiving device.The addresses are connected to a character generator which, insynchronism with the deflection raster, generates the gating pulses (inparticular unblanking pulses) for the composition of characters. Theorganization of the system is preferably chosen so that, at each modulereplacement, the data flow automatically changes module-configuration inthe sending device to conform to the module newly plugged in.

Further advantages and details of the invention will be evident from thefollowing description of an embodiment with reference to the drawing inconnection with the further patent claims.

Additional important data, concerning e.g., bed numbers, alarmcondition, etc., can be transmitted in code as part of the digital codeaddresses in the transmitted signal received during the time of they-raster generation in the device. Moreover, further digital informationmay be transmitted in the time interval that the x-coordinate signal isreturning to its position at next start pulse.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of three coordinate signals x, y, z in varyingsignal conditions;

FIG. 2 is a display of analog signals and character signals on the imagescreen of an x, y, z-oscilloscope;

FIG. 3 is a similar display additionally showing limit values;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a complete sweep;

FIG. 5 is a basic circuit diagram of an electromedical monitoringdevice;

FIG. 6 is the basic circuit diagram showing details of the monitoringdevice according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an arrangement of individual monitoring devices in seriesconnection without a common central unit;

FIG. 8 is an arrangement of individual monitoring devices in starconnection with regard to a common central unit;

FIG. 9 is a central multiplexer, which is a component of the centralunit in the star connection of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a control system for data and address control between thecentral multiplexer and a central image repeat memory, which controlsystem is a component of the central unit of the star connection of FIG.8;

FIG. 11 is a time diagram according to FIG. 4, illustrating additionallya digital signal transmission in the retrace time of the x-deflection;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the basic construction of anelectromedical monitoring device with four slide-in modules, whichdevice is preferably used as a bedside unit;

FIG. 13 is the basic internal circuitry of a slide-in module, inparticular of a combined EKG/respiration module;

FIG. 14 is the basic internal circuitry of a control and coupling boardfor signal and energy coupling, which is provided opposite to theslide-in modules in the main device of a monitoring device;

FIG. 15 are pulse diagrams showing pulse trains, which are transmittedin one and the other direction between the slide-in modules and the maindevice;

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram illustrating the interaction between apreprocessing microprocessor (preprocessor), a main memory (sharedmemory), and a central microprocessor (central processor) of amonitoring device according to FIG. 5;

FIG. 17 is a display showing the signal and character representation ofFIG. 2 with a moving vertical blanking bar as a limit between new andold signal information in fixed mode operation; and

FIG. 18 is a basic circuit diagram for producing a vertical blanking baraccording to FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1 there are shown three coordinate data or signals x(t), y(t),z(t) for a signal period or sweep as a function of time t one above theother. Each coordinate curve is divided into five sections or intervalsI', I, II, III, and IV. These time intervals are indicated by ordinatesand dash-dot lines at times t₀, t₁, t₂, t₃, t₄, t₅. The first section I'serves for the transmission of a configuration word to be described morefully later and the device-actuation of x-reset, followed by theactivation of an x-deflection. Section IV is the retrace time, alsoexplained more fully later, of the x-deflection of an electron beam ofan x,y,z oscilloscope in the respective equipment. Sections I, II, IIIare the main sections for the recording of alphanumerical symbols and ofanalog signals. They will be termed in the following also as fields foranalog or symbol representation. According to the diagram of FIG. 1,therefore, the x-deflection with the ramp voltage X_(R) begins at timet₁. After transmission of the configuration word in Section I', a rapidy-raster Y_(R) follows at time t₁. This raster is the basis for a symbolrepresentation. The two quantities x and y, being ramp voltages, are infield I system-specific constants which can be produced in the equipmentitself. An independent transmission of such rasters to the individualequipment via a common signal line (signal bus) is thus obviated. Itsuffices to transmit the start (synchronizing) signals needed for theactivation of the ramp voltages X_(R) and Y_(R) in the form of anx-synchronization signal or respectively a y-configuration signal. Thepresence of two system-constant coordinates x, y in field I can,however, be utilized to transmit via a common signal line (signal bus)address signals for a symbol generator contained in the respectiveequipment. Due to these address signals, which are transmitted indigital form, the character generator generates in the respectiveactivated equipment unblanking signals which, in synchronism with therapid y-symbol raster produced simultaneously in the equipment, arecombined to form the desired alphanumerical symbol on the picture screenof an x,y,z oscilloscope. The address signals to be transmitted in datasection I for the symbol generator are indicated in FIG. 1 for thecoordinate z as digital signals CA (Character Addresses).

A significant property of section 1 (Field I) is, therefore, that thecoordinates x and y are system-specifically constant, while thecoordinate z is system-extraneous and variable. However, since twocoordinate quantities are constants, the third variable quantity z canbe generated from a single data field transmitted via the common signalline to the respective equipment.

In data section II (or Field II) of the diagram of FIG. 1, a differentsituation prevails. The y-coordinate transmission section of an analogsignal A (e.g., EKG) is now system-extraneous and variable. Hence, inthe case of Field II, the coordinate y is not a system-specific constantquantity; to be able to transmit only this quantity A, it is necessarythat, in addition to the x-coordinate in field II, also the z-coordinatemust be system-specific and constant. And so it is, for according to thediagram of FIG. 1, the z-coordinate shows in data section II, a constantvoltage curve (continuously intensified, except for a blanking bar asexplained later).

Concerning field III, there are two possibilities: on the one hand, ifnecessary, the signal curve as obtained for field II can be continuedfor all three coordinates x, y, z. Accordingly, in field III, atconstant voltage of the z-coordinate, the analog quantity A wouldcontinuously be transmitted in the signal path as y-component.

On the other hand, it is possible to switch back to reproductionaccording to the pattern of field I. In this case, therefore, there isagain produced in field III, with respect to the y-coordinate, solely bya device-generated signal, a rapid y-deflection raster Y_(R) for symbolrepresentation, and in the signal path to the equipments again addresssignals CA for correct addressing in the symbol generator aretransmitted during this time span as codes for the device-generatedz-component.

The representation of FIG. 1 is merely an example. Naturally theindividual fields I to III can be lined up in any desired variable way.Also, the total number of fields can be other than three. In differentfields, analog signals can selectively be represented together withsymbols. Or only analog signals or only symbols may be reproduced in asingle track. As has been indicated above, the section I' preceding themain fields I to III may be used solely for the transmission of asweep-configuration signal. It is again a matter of course that in thissection still other command signals of any kind may be transmitted inaddition to the configuration signal. Alternately, such supplementarysignals may, as has also been indicated above, be placed into thosephases (e.g., fields I and/or III) in which rapid y-rasters are producedfor symbol representation. The supplementary command signals are thentransmitted via the common signal path together with the digital addresssignals CA in appropriately mixed form. Moreover, such supplementarysignals can be transmitted also in phase IV, that is, in the retracephase of the electron beam after an x-deflection.

The combination of the various data sections of analog signals andsymbols results in a total picture on the picture screen on an x,y,zoscilloscope is shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3. Here thepicture screen of the oscilloscope is marked B. It is seen at once thatboth in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3 alphanumerical symbols are represented infield I on picture screen B. In field II are recorded sections of ananalog signal A. In FIG. 2, the recording of this analog signal iscontinued in field II. In FIG. 3, alphanumerical symbols in the form oflimit values (limits) are gated in field III.

In the oscilloscopes of FIGS. 2 and 3, the beam deflection of theelectron beam for signal recording is from right to left viewing from infront on screen B. On the right side of screen B, therefore,alphanumerical symbols always appear first in field I. Then followsfield II with the representation of an analog signal. Field III can thenbe utilized either to continue the recording of the analog signal (FIG.2) or for again gating in alphanumerical symbols (FIG. 3).

It can be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 also that the oscilloscopes shown are,for example, four-channel oscilloscopes. Although, the invention is alsoapplicable to any number of channels, particularly one or two. Thus, themanner in which these oscilloscopes operate is that, in time succession,in channels stacked one below the other, up to four different analogsignals with respectively correlated symbols can be represented. In eachsymbol field I and/or III, by suitable stacked address selection in thesymbol generator, one or more lines of symbols per channel (e.g., asshown up to two lines of symbols) can be correlated with a single signalcurve simultaneously. In the present embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3, thereare thus represented on the picture screen of the respectivefour-channel oscilloscope in channel 1, e.g., the EKG of a patienttogether with symbols which indicate for both figures in column I, e.g.,the value of the heart rate (frequency) and for FIG. 3 in column IIIspecifically further an upper and a lower limit value of the heart(rate) frequency. In the channels 2 and 3, instead, there arerepresented, for example, two blood pressure curves. The symbols gatedin field I of both figures are data indicating the respective bloodpressure value of the systole, diastole, or mean pressure. The symbolsreproduced in field III of FIG. 3 are again limit data for the bloodpressure values. Channel 4 lastly shows the curve of the CO₂ content inthe patient's respiration gas, and measured parameters and limits forthe CO₂ content. Thus, in the diagram there are to be correlated to theanalog signals either only purely quantitative data or, additionally,limit value data about maximum or minimum critical limit values of thephysiological test signals in the form of alphanumerical symbols. Byadding limit value data, limit value exceedings, and hence, alsocritical developments of a physiological parameter, can be recognized atonce. In the present case, critical limit value excesses are furtherindicated by giving an alarm signal (in particular, an audible and/or avisual alarm). If, in the basic equipment, the picture content of atrend memory is represented, the analog curves shown in FIGS. 2 and 3are replaced accordingly by trend curves.

For the quality of the system to be displayed, it is essential that theimage representation of all signals to be displayed is flicker-free. Toensure absence of flicker, a 50 Hz or greater frame frequency isdesirable. Accordingly the total time of the beam deflection over thepicture screen of the respective oscilloscope is 20 ms. If recording infour channels is desired, the total deflection time, including flyback(retrace) may thus be at most 5 ms per channel.

FIG. 4 shows a time plan for signal transmission adapted in this sense.In the time plan of FIG. 4, the total duration T of an x-deflection isstated as T=4,883 μs. This duration T is divided into a total of fivetimes sections I', I, II, III, IV. As has been mentioned before, in thebeginning a synchronizing pulse SP (3 volt, 3 μs) at time t_(o) fixesthe beginning of the time duration, e.g., by its falling edge. Thecontrol of all equipments involved by the synchronizing pulse of asingle equipment snychronizes all other equipments with one another,unless a synchronizing pulse is impressed on all other equipments by anexternal central unit from the start. After the syncrhonizing pulse SPcomes first the time interval I', which in the present case is 80 μslong.

During this time interval I', which ends at time t₁, there is conveyedto all equipments the display configuration for the full x sweepdeflection configuration signal (8-bit sweep configuration word) as adigital signal, which serves as a coded signal as to how the beginningand/or end as well as the manner and location of the instanteousy-representation on the screen of the oscilloscope must be selected incomparison with the signal representation to be transmitted to anotherequipment. The deflection configuration signal can be defined as followsas an 8-bit word, BIT 0 to BIT 7, for the present embodiment inapplication to a four-channel oscilloscope:

    ______________________________________                                        BITS      DESCRIPTION                                                         ______________________________________                                        Bit 0 (LSB)                                                                             Field III Control                                                             Zero = Analog Display (+0.75V in CV)                                          One = Character Display (-1.0V in CV)                               Bit 1: BOT 0                                                                            These bits control the vertical location of                                   the bottom (BOT) of the trace for the Analog                        Bit 2: BOT 1                                                                            parameter display per table below.                                  BOT 1 BOT 0                                                                   0     0       Bottom position                                                 0     1       Middle Lower Position                                           1     0       Middle Upper Position                                           1     1       Top Position                                                    Bit 3: RT 0                                                                             These bits control the vertical location of the                               character display and the retrace line (RT).                                  These bits also identify the trace. They are                        Bit 4: RT 1                                                                             codes as follows:                                                   RT 1  RT 0                                                                    0     0       Channel 4 Bottom                                                0     1       Channel 3                                                       1     0       Channel 2                                                       1     1       Channel 1 Top                                                   Bit 5: G 0                                                                              These bits control the Y deflection gain (G)                        Bit 6: G 1                                                                              for analog waveforms per table below:                               G 1   G 0                                                                     0     0       Gain = 3 (Expanded Pressure)                                    0     1       Gain = 2 (Expanded Pressure)                                    1     0       Gain = 1 Normal                                                 1     1       Gain = 0 and Blank                                              Bit 7     Retrace intensify. The retrace line in the position                           defined by RT0, RT1 will be intensified if the bit                            is a one.                                                           ______________________________________                                    

Following section I' comes the first field I. The duration of this fieldis 1280 μs. Field II, which is also 1280 μs long, follows after Field Iat time t₂. Field II is followed at time t₃ by field III, which alsolasts 1280 μs. Then the x-deflection is terminated by the section IV,which is 960 μs long and which fixes the retrace time for the electronbeam. In the signal display of FIGS. 2 and 3, the retraced electron beamis gated in as a thin trace R in the picture plot by special selectionin the configuration word. The retrace line R signals the location of areference or zero line in each channel. The retrace phase IV intervalfor the electron beam can be utilized for the transmission of anyadditional command signals. Also, cyclically revolving memory values ordata of the analog signals can be removed during the retrace time fromthe picture repeating memory and be supplied for example to a co-runningprinter, recorder or the like, as so-called delayed data. These signalsmay be transmitted during the retrace time, either synchronously or,preferably, asynchronously.

Moreover, if necessary, during phase IV, data may be rearranged inmemories in any manner or erased. The end of the retrace phase IV is atthe same time the beginning of a new deflection period. Thus, at timet₅, a new synchronizing pulse SP is generated which, after switching tothe next following channel of an oscilloscope, triggers the electronbeam with its falling edge at time t₆ =t₀ for the next time interval.The triggering always occurs in such a way that the electron beam of theoscilloscope, regardless of where it happens to be on the picture screenin the retrace phase, is immediately pulled back (reset) to its initialposition in the right outer edge position of the screen. The momentaryinstability resulting due to the abrupt interruption of the retracephase is bridged by the time interval I' following the sync pulse withtransmission of a configuration signal, which, of course, is not itselfreproduced on the screen.

The invention is employed in particular in medicine in picking upphysiological signals, as in particular ECG, blood pressure,temperature, CO₂, etc., on the body of a patient. A single device ofthis kind is illustrated, for example, in FIG. 5 in the basic circuitdiagram. This device comprises a total of four replaceable modules 1 to4, to receive and transfer picked-up physiological signals to a modulecoupling and control unit 5. This unit 5 has a power coupling with eachsingle slide-in module 1 to 4 via a pair of coils 6 and 7 for eachmodule. These coils transfer the energy required for the operation ofthe slide-in modules from unit 5 to modules 1 to 4. The transfer of thephysiological signals or other received signals from a slide-in moduleto unit 5 occurs by means of optocouplers 8, 9. Symbol 8 indicates anemitting diode, in particular, an infrared luminescent diode. Symbol 9indicates a light receiver, in particular, a photo diode. For thetransmission of signals, e.g., switching signals, A/D clock signals, orother control signals from unit 5 to a slide-in module 1 to 4, a furtheroptocoupler 10, 11 is provided. This optocoupler therefore has atransmitting diode 10 at unit 5 and a receiving photo diode at therespective module 1 to 4. Further details concerning the internal basiccircuitry of a module 1 to 4, as well as of the module coupling andcontrol unit 5, can be seen from the description relating to FIGS. 13 to15 following below.

As a practical realization of the arrangement (cf. FIG. 12), theequipment comprises in the equipment housing a bay into which theslide-in modules 1 to 4 can be introduced one above the other in levels.The bay comprises a rear wall on which is mounted the unit 5 with thefirst half-parts of the respective power coupling transformer andrespectively, the optocoupler. The other half-part of the power couplingtransformer and optocoupler is arranged as indicated in FIG. 5, on theback of the respective slide-in module 1 to 4. So, if the slide-inmodule is fully inserted into the bay of the equipment housing endposition, the half-parts of the coupling transformer carried by it alignwith the half-parts of the back wall to a complete non-galvanic couplingpoint for power, and signal transmission. The unit so assembled is readyfor operation.

The physiological or other signals picked up by unit 5 are now fed via apath (data arrow) 12 to a microprocessor 13 for data preprocessing(Preprocessor), in particular, data scaling and data filtering(weighting). As will be explained more fully in the description relatingto FIG. 16, this microprocessor transfers the preprocessed data to acentral microprocessor 14 via a common addressable part of a main memory15 (shared memory) with the aid of a special hardware circuit whichpermits direct access DMA to memory positions (DMA=Direct MemoryAccess). In addition, the preprocessing microprocessor 13 comprises anOn-Chip UART 16 (UART=Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter) forcommunication with a central station 17. The preprocessor 13 cantransmit moreover, as indicated by data arrow 18, signal data such asclock signals, configuration signals, or the like, via unit 5 as part ofthe combined signal in the signal path via the optocouplers 10, 11 tothe individual slide-in modules 1 to 4. Memory 15 is normally associatedfirst with the central microprocessor 14 (data arrow 19). During the useof the shared memory by the Central Processor, the preprocessingmicroprocessor 13 is isolated from the shared memory. Upon DMA requestby the preprocessing processor (line 20), the central microprocessor 14is temporarily disconnected from memory 15, and the preprocessingprocessor 13 takes over the access to the shared memory 15 via thememory data arrow 21.

The central microprocessor 14 is the essential part of the apparatus. Byit, via a data line 22, the occurring signal data are read via a centralshift register 23 into a dynamic RAM 24 under the control of an addresscounter 25 which receives address data from the central microprocessor14 via an address line 26. The central shift register 23 receives alloccurring data in parallel formation and reads them out again serially.The time sequence of the reading in and out of data is controlled by acentral clock generator 27 (Cycle Control Timing Counter). The data tobe forwarded from RAM 24 to oscilloscope 28 for recording arepreprocessed in a processing device 29 and then sent to theoscilloscope. Device 29 comprises all structural elements required forthe generation or, respectively, for the forwarding of thesensation-wise (sic) signal train (composite video signal) according toFIG. 1. By device 29, therefore, signals and symbols corresponding tothe FIGS. 1 to 4 are developed and supplied to the equipment-specificmonitor 28. At the same time, all signals developed in this sense aresent also via an output 30 (composite video output) to a transmissionline common to all equipments of any desired equipment configuration(composite video bus). Moreover, the device 29 comprises also acorresponding input 31 (composite video input) through which theequipment is likewise connectable to the common connecting line for alldevices. Thence, in case of need, e.g., in case of an alarm, whileswitching off its own locally-generated data flow to the oscilloscope,composite video signals can be introduced from any desired other device,in particular that of the alarm instance, from the common transmissionpath for displaying on the equipment-specific oscilloscope 28. The alarmis set off by an alarm device 32 connected to the central microprocessor14 and sent, e.g., in arrow direction 33 to an alarm bus. For the inputof special command data into the central processor 14 there serves abank of keys 34, e.g., on the front panel of the respective device, withsensor 35 for correct input. For the display of data entered oroccurring during signal processing, there serves an LED display 36(luminescence diodes) with driver stage 37. A loudspeaker 38 withamplifier 39 serves for acoustic signal indication, e.g., for alarm, forkey click of the keys of a bank of keys or respectively, "beep" tonesfor occurring QRS pulses or also indication of an interrupted program ofthe central processor. Component 40 is a ROM and RAM supplementarymemory for the central microprocessor.

The device for the generation and forwarding or also reception ofcomposite video signals is shown in detail in the basic circuit diagramof FIG. 6 as a component, e.g., of an equipment according to FIG. 5.According to it, the output of the central shift register 23 brancheswithin signal processing device 29 into at least three signal paths 41,42, and 43. In each of these signal paths, a specific signal processingmember is inserted. Thus, in signal path 41, there is a decoder 44 forthe y-configuration word. In signal path 42 are on the other handlocated the character generator 45 for character formation (local ROMfor 2×7 character display in 8-bit code) and the ramp generator 46 forgeneration of the rapid y-deflection raster (y-ramp voltage Y_(R)). Insignal path 43, lastly, the digital-to-analog converter 47 forgeneration of the analog signals A is inserted. The outputs of decoder44 for the y-configuration signal of generator 46 for the y-deflectionraster and of the digital-to-analog converter 47, lead to a system 48for the processing of all incoming signals to the vertical deflectionsignal y for the display-connected oscilloscope 28. The charactergenerator 45 has a further output to the unblanking system 49 of theoscilloscope, which furnishes the unblanking pulses needed for characterconstruction. For the x-deflection, an x-ramp generator 50 is provided,which is triggered directly by the internal clock generator 27 of theequipment via the sync pulses SP.

The described signal path is the path for such composite video signal asthe equipment generates itself. For the forwarding of thisself-generated signal there serves, as previously mentioned, anadditional equipment output 30 (composite video output) which leads to acomposite video bus common to all equipments. In FIG. 6, this additionalsignal path is marked by taps 51, 52, and 53. Taps 51 and 52 are presentat the signal paths 41 and 42 before switches 54 and 55, which areconnected ahead of the decoder 44 for the y-configuration signal and thecharacter generator 45. Tap 53 at signal path 43, instead, lies at theoutput of the digital-to-analog converter 47 before a switch 56. Theswitches 54 to 56 normally connect the signal paths 41, 42, and 43directly with the system-specific image generators 44 to 49. However,they have also a second switching position (shown by dashes) in whichthey can be switched in the manner shown to the signal paths 57, 58, and59 of the composite video input 31. Upon switching to input 31, thesignal supply from the system-specific signal generator 23, 24 to thestructural elements 44 to 49 is thus interrupted. Instead of thelocally-generated composite video signal, there is now applied to theoscilloscope the composite video signal of an external (in particular,alarm-giving) equipment. Simultaneously, however, the system-specificcomposite video signal continues to be supplied to the composite videooutput 30 unhindered thereby.

FIG. 7 shows a typical application of the invention comprising a chainof individual monitoring devices having no central unit. Here are shown,for example, a total of four bedside devices 60 to 63, each of which isconstructed and generates a composite video signal as has been describedin the explanations regarding the preceding FIGS. 5 and 6. All fourdevices of this chain (the number of devices can be increased asdesired) are interconnected via a total of three lines 64, 65, 66 (orrespectively connectable via switches, as will be later explained inmore detail). Thus, e.g., line 64 is the common signal bus (CVB) for thecomposite video signal (CV). Line 65 is the common alarm bus and line 66finally is the common transmission line for the sync pulse SP forsynchronization of the x-deflection timing of all devices 60 to 63. Eachof the devices carries on the front (indicated schematically) a LED key67 to 70.

In each of these keys, therefore, a luminescence diode (LED) isintegrated. Each of the luminescence diodes in turn is in circuitconnection with the alarm bus 65 such that it lights up inside the keywhen an alarm signal is generated and put out on the alarm bus byanother device of the chain. In the alarm-giving device itself, however,the LED there is not activated. Here the alarm situation is indicatedvisually and audibly by separate indication means. The doctor or themonitoring nurse can then immediately distinguish whether the respectivedevice itself gives the alarm, i.e., whether the patient connected to itis himself the alarm patient, or whether another device of the chaincontaining the connected patient is the subject of the alarm.

As to the transmission of composite video signals from the devices 60 to63 to the composite video bus 64 or respectively, the receipt of suchsignals from the composite video bus 64 by individual devices, there areinserted in FIG. 7 inside the blocks which symbolize the devices 60 to63, symbolic switches 71 to 78. The switches 71 to 74 (CVO switches) areinserted in the lines 30 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the video signal outputs(CVO) of the devices. The switches 75 to 78 (CVI switches) are insertedin the lines 31 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) of the video signal inputs (CVI). Aclosed CVO switch 71 to 74 thus means that the respective device 60, 61,62, or 63 specifically feeds its composite video signal, which at thatmoment it also simultaneously projects on the picture screen of its ownoscilloscope 79, 80, 81 or 82, into the composite video bus 64. A closedCVI switch 75 to 78 means that that composite video signal currentlybeing fed by another device into the composite video bus 64 is takenover by the respective device via the video signal input from the CV busand is reproduced on the picture screen of the oscilloscope 79, 80, 81or 82 of this device rather than reproduce its own Composite Videosignal.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, e.g., device 63 gives alarm. This alarm istransmitted via alarm bus 65 to the device 60, 61 and 62 (or alladditional devices if such are additionally connected in the chain).Hence, the LED keys 67, 68 and 70 of these devices light up, this beingindicated in FIG. 7 by symbolic light rays at the edge of the keys.According to the foregoing statements, the CVO switch 74 of device 63had also been closed at the moment of alarm. The CVO switches 71, 72,and 73 of devices 60, 61 and 62, instead, remain open, since in thesedevices no alarm was produced. Accordingly, the composite video signalof the alarm-giving device 63 is fed into the composite video bus 64.This composite video signal can now be taken from the CVB 64 by anydesired device 60 to 62 by pressing of one of the LED keys 67 to 69.Pressing of a flowing LED key causes the steadily lit lamp to change toblinking. It is thereby indicated that, on the picture screen of theoscilloscope of the respective device, no longer the locally generatedinformation but a remote signal image is projected. Flashing of a key isindicated symbolically in FIG. 7 by rays which extend radially into thekey center.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, e.g., the LED key 67 of device 60 waspressed. Hence, the CVI switch 75 of this device was closed and the CVof the alarm-giving device 63 thus passes via the composite video inputof device 60 into the CV-processing signal portion of this device andthence accordingly to the picture screen of oscilloscope 79.

The described switching sequences of the switches 71 to 78 are purely ofan exemplifying nature. There are many desired modifications that can beemployed without significantly changing the basic sequence of the CVoutput by a device into the CV bus or, respectively, the receipt of CVsignals from the CV bus by another or several other devices. Thus, it isperfectly possible that by modifying the above described manner, e.g.,via closed CVO switches, all CV signals of all devices are normallycontinuously fed into the CV bus. On the other hand, when an alarmsignal appears in the common alarm bus, all CVO switches are openedexcept the CVO switch of the device which gives an alarm therefore, onlythe alarm-affected CV is fed into the CV bus, as desired.

In comparison with the basic circuit diagram of FIG. 6, the respectiveCVI switch 75, 76, 77, or 78 can symbolize the three switches 54, 55,56. An open CVI switch of FIG. 7 would thus correspond to the firstswitching position of the switches 54, 55, 56 in FIG. 6, in which theequipment-specific CV generators 23, 24, etc., are connected directlywith the picture-composing components 44 to 49 via the lines 41, 42, 43.A closed CVI switch of FIG. 7, would, instead, represent the secondswitching position, in which these direct connections are interruptedand instead the picture-composing components (except for the A/Dconverter 47) are connected with the signal lines 57, 58, 59 of the CVI.Alternatively, the respective CVI switch may be designed, e.g., as asupplementary control switch for the switches 54, 55, 56, which switchesthe switches 54, 55, 56 as soon as it is closed by depression of the LEDkey. In special development and independently of the above-describedoperational possibilities, the CVI switch may be an integral contactpart of the LED key.

As to the priority of alarms, the switches are also controlled asfollows: If an alarm is given by a single device, there results theabove-described function sequence. But if alarm is given by two or moredevices, the above-described function sequence occurs fundamentally onlyfor that device which of all alarm-giving devices has produced an alarmfirst. Only for this device the respective CVO switch closes; the CVOswitches of the other alarm-giving devices remain open until the alarmof the first device has been reset, e.g., by pressing of an alarm resetkey. As soon as this has been done, the device which was the first togive an alarm is replaced by a next following device giving alarm (inthe case of several devices giving an alarm simultaneously, e.g., thedevice with the lowest bed number, then that with the next higher bednumber, etc.).

It is therefore, a significant property of a chain circuit as set forthin principle in FIG. 7 that each device within the chain can assume thefunction of a central device which in the central function can then pollany desired other device which e.g. just then produces alarm thecomposite video signal thereof for displaying on the picture screen ofits own oscilloscope. It is essential only that for the assumption ofthe central function a LED key be pushed at the respective device.

According to a somewhat modified principle there functions, instead, anarrangement of bedside devices for which a central unit is provided fromthe start for the control of the total process. Such an arrangement isshown in the basic circuit diagram of FIG. 8. In this arrangement, acentral unit 83 has associated with in n single devices (beside units)which are connected with the central unit in star form via bedsidedevice composite video buses for bedside device composite video signalsCVB1 to CVBn and alarm buses for bedside device alarms AL 1 to AL n. Asingle central composite video bus (composite video central) for acentral composite video signal CVC leads from the central unit back tothe bedside devices. In a basic cluster configuration, preferably n=4single devices are associated in star connection with a central unit 83.The present circuit of FIG. 8, however, contains, e.g., n=16 singledevices in star connection with the central unit 83, of which, however,only the first two devices of the total 16 bedside devices are shown.These two devices are indicated by the numbers 84 and 85. The n=16single devices may, if necessary, be divided into sub-groups (clusters)of again preferably 4×4 bedside devices. To each group there is thenassigned, e.g., its own wall terminal connected to the central unit.Each of the bedside devices of the star formation with the central unitis laid out in principle and functions with respect to the generation ofits CVB 1 to CVB n exactly as previously described in FIGS. 5 and 6.Blocks 86 and 87 inside the device blocks 84 and 85 thus symbolizeessentially the combinations of those structural elements 41 to 56 ofthe picture processing and picture recording section of the devices asare represented in detail in particular in FIG. 6. Blocks 88 and 89indicate the picture repetition memory 24 with respective shift register23, address computer 25, clock generator 27, etc. These elements arelikewise explained in principle in FIG. 6.

Also, with respect to the generating and communicating of an alarm, asto principle the same mechanisms occur as described for the chaincircuit of FIG. 7. The only, but here very essential, difference is thatall single devices 84, 85, etc., already have associated with them acentral unit 83 which from the start and alone assumes the centralfunction. Assumption of the central function by any bedside device, asis possible in the circuit arrangement of bedside devices in chainformation (FIG. 7), is thus not possible with the star connection. Itresults from this that not only are all composite video signals CVB 1 toCVB n of the single bedside devices sent to the central unit in starform via single composite video buses 90, 91 (for the first two buses),92 (for the 16th bus); the same occurs also with alarms, as each singlebedside device 84, 85 of the star formation is connected with thecentral unit 83 likewise in star form directly via a device-specificalarm bus. Of the sixteen alarm buses in all, the first two buses areindicated by 93, 94 and the 16th bus by 95. Thus, if an alarm isproduced by one of the sixteen bedside devices 84, 85, etc., this alarmis sent to the central unit 83.

With respect to the central picture processing and picture composingsection 96, the central unit itself is constructed in principle exactlylike a bedside device. Like a bedside device, it comprises also arepeating memory 97 and a central microprocessor 98. Instead of slide-inmodules with appropriate data traffic, however, there are inserted inthe central unit appropriate auxiliary cards consisting of a centralsignal and data multiplexer 99, an alarm multiplexer 100, and a controldevice 101 for data and address control between central multiplexer 99and central picture repeating memory 97. The central signal and datamultiplexer 99 has the input lines 90, 91, etc., to 92 for the total ofsixteen composite video signals CVB 1 to CVB 16 of the sixteen singlebedside devices. It is connected on the output side via lines 102 to 106for signals A, B, C, D, CH with the control system 101, which, in turn,is connected on the output side via data buses 107 and 108 as well asvia address buses 109 and 110 with the central picture repeating memory97 and the central microprocessor 98. Moreover, a further output line111 of the central multiplexer 99 leads via a switch 112 directly to thesignal input of the picture processing and picture displaying section 96of the central unit. Via this switching line, the picture section 96 ofthe central unit receives the complete composite video signal CVB of afreely selectable bedside device of the star configuration. Lastly, thecentral multiplexer 99 has also three outputs 113, 114, and 115 forrecorder signals REC 1, REC 2, REC 3, which, if needed, can be recordedon two signal recorders 116, 117 integrated in the central unit as wellas on a signal recorder to be connected externally (connection arrow118). For the synchronization of the recorders are used synchronizingsignals Synch 1, Synch 2, Synch 3, which occur at output lines 119, 120,and 121 of the central multiplexer 99. The signals REC 1, REC 2, REC 3,together with the synchronizing signals Synch 1, Synch 2, Synch 3 aredecoded in decoders 122, 123, 124 and then switched onto the recordersby means of switches 125, 126, 127. The alarm multiplexer 100 has anoutput alarm bus 128 to the central processor 98. The central processor98 is connected to the picture section 96 of the central unit via a dataand address line 129, and it is further in constant communication withthe control system 101 via lines 130, 131. Another very essentialcomponent is the central composite video bus 132. Via this central bus,the composite video signal CVC of the central unit is returned to thebedside devices (or respectively also connectable to the recorders 116,117, etc.). If necessary (again by pressing of a LED key as for chainconnection according to FIG. 7), the central composite video signal canbe connected from the central bus 132 to a bedside device at any time.It suffices for this operation to actuate a switch 133, 134, etc. (LEDkey). The CVC then becomes the composite video input into the pictureprocessing section of the respective device. The locally generatedsignal image is then replaced by the central image.

It is, therefore, a significant property of the star configuration thatthe composite video signals CVB 1 to CVB n of the bedside devices 84,85, etc., are connected to the central unit 83 in star form. Normally,the central unit comprises, however, likewise only one singleoscilloscope with maximally four channels. Thus, it is possible to takeover on the picture screen of the central oscilloscope at most the fourchannels of a single display device 86 or 87, etc., as selected CVB vialine 111. A time-staggered switching of the central indicating device 96to other display devices is indeed possible by the time multiplex of themultiplexer 99 and is being realized as such; but difficulties arise inthe realization of a reproduction method where signals of certainchannels of devices 86, 87, etc., of different bedside devices 84, 85are to be displayed in mixed form on the central device 96. The variouspicture devices may operate in different bedside devices at verydifferent display speeds of the x-deflection. Thus, there are, e.g.,devices which by means of speed selectors are set for a maximumdeflection speed of e.g. 50 mm/sec, and others set for the minimumdeflection speed of e.g. 12.5 mm/sec. Each device can be switched atleast between these two deflection velocities. The simultaneousreproduction of signal tracks with different deflection velocity is,however, practically hardly feasible.

However, the star connection of FIG. 8 also accomplishes this function,namely through a special circuit design. This design is characterized bythe following aspects: The first aspect takes into account the fact thatat each frame repeating memory in the picture processing section of asingle bedside device, there occurs with each input of a new measuredvalue an oldest measured value which is eliminated from the signaldisplay. The ejection of this oldest value is now synchronized with theperiod of a signal display so that it falls into the retract time of thex-deflection (second aspect). The oldest measured value is thus nolonger reproduced in the signal picture; it is, however, available asdelayed data for reproduction on another picture device if such adelayed reproduction is desired. Now the central unit 83 in the starconnection of FIG. 8 takes advantage of this circumstance (thirdaspect). This central unit comprises a picture repetition memory 97,which receives delayed measured values A, B, C, and D from all devicesin the time multiplex via the multiplexer 99. The delayed data areregistered in the picture repetition memory by the control system 101together with the character addresses CA. Thence, they can be polledagain at any time and in any mixture of the signal tracks and bedisplayed on the central display device 96 as mixed picture.

The described circuit makes it possible, therefore, that on a centraloscilloscope inside a central station 83 having, e.g., four channelsthere can be displayed in any varying order a total of four differentchannels from oscilloscopes of four different bedside devices.

If at one of the external devices an alarm appears, this alarm passesvia the corresponding alarm bus AL 1 to AL n to the alarm multiplexer100 and then to the central processor 98. The central processor 98 nowcontrols the signal transfer between image repetition memory 97 anddisplay device 96 in such a way that the delayed data of thealarm-giving signal channel (e.g., alarm-giving EKG) is displayedinstead of a preceding signal value record into the display channel withthe highest number, i.e., into the fourth display (top to bottom)channel. If a second alarm-giving signal channel appears, it isaccordingly registered in the next lower display channel, i.e., in thethird channel, etc. Simultaneously with the display of the alarm-givingsignal channel, the frame repeating memory repeats the number of the bedat which the alarm-giving device is installed. The bed number isvisually emphasized on the central picture screen by flashing, so thatthe monitoring person at the central station immediately recognizes thatthere is a case of alarm at a bedside device with a certain bed number.

The alarm can also be communicated by the central station 83 via acentral bus 132 to other bedside devices not giving an alarm. Here,then, a LED key lights up, e.g., as previously described. By pressingsuch a key, the central composite video signal CVC can be taken over onthe picture screen of the oscilloscope of the respective device whileits own display is turned off.

FIG. 9 shows in more detail the internal basic construction of themultiplexer 99, as previously explained as to construction and mode ofoperation in conjunction with the star connection of FIG. 8. Thedistribution of the various signals in the multiplex operation over thedifferent output lines is accomplished by the usual analog switches 135to 146 in the interior of the multiplexer.

FIG. 10 shows the internal construction of the control system 101 perFIG. 8 in the wiring between the multiplexer 99 on the one hand and theframe repeating memory 97 and central processor 98, on the other. Thecontrol system comprises, with respect to the location- and time-correctforwarding of the delayed data A to D, four separate blocks 147 to 150,each of which is in principle constructed in the interior as shown indetail for block 147. Each of the blocks 147 to 150 thus comproses adata word shift register 151, a strobe counter 152 for strobing theshift register, which contains a clock input 153, a synchronizer 154 forthe counting clock pulse, and a word counter 155 for the addresses. Theoutput data of the data shift register 151 go via an output 156 to thedata buses 107, 108 for frame repeating memory 97 and central processor98. The output addresses of the word counter 155 go correspondingly viaan output 157 to the adddress buses 109, 110 for frame repeating memoryand central processor.

The control system 101 comprises, in addition, for the forwarding ofcharacter addresses CH, a shift register 158 for data words with output159 to the data buses 107, 108 and a word counter 160 with output 161 tothe address buses 109, 110. Block 162 also comprises a synchronizing andcontrol system (four cycle synchronization and control) with start input163 for starting the reading of a character (start character read) andinput 164 for the time pulse which controls the picture composition ofthe character (timing from display control, cf. again FIG. 6 inconjunction with FIG. 5). An output 165 leads to a control unit 166 (DMAcontrol arbitrator and multiplexer Control) which is in communicationwith the central processor via lines 130 and 131.

As previously mentioned, for the mixing of signal tracks there are useddelayed data which occur in the respective retrace phases (time) of thex-deflection. Referring back to FIG. 4 the time span of this retracephase is 960 μs, as is depicted once more at the top of FIG. 11. Atvariance with FIG. 4, however, there is entered in FIG. 11, below thepreviously described time diagram, a pulse timing which is set forth inpurely schematic form the data transmission in Field IV during theretrace phase of the x-deflection. The data transmission is in digitalform. As already shown in the y-configuration word of Phase I', so alsoin the digital signals of the retrace time IV, the state ZERO ("0") isdocumented by the appearance of the voltage level +0.75 V, and the stateONE ("1") by the appearance of the voltage level -1 V in the compositevideo signal. Now in the retrace phase IV, up to ten digital words canbe transmitted, each comprising 8 bits. In retrace phase IV, except forthe times of the transmission of digital words, a ZERO ("0") isconveyed, i.e., the composite video signal is on level +0.75 V. About 50μs after start of the retrace phase, the transfer of digital word isbegun. Each word to be transferred is inaugurated with a start bit 167,which is 2 μs long and which signals a ONE ("1"). After this start bitcomes a word 168, which consists of 8 bits 169 to 176, each of which isagain 2 μs long. The single bits 169 to 176 may show ZERO or ONE status,depending on the word content. In FIG. 11, these alternatingpossibilities between ZERO and ONE are indicated schematically by twodiagonals in each bit. In each word the first bit is designated by LSBand the last bit by MSB, LSB meaning "Least Significant Bit" and MSB"Most Significant Bit". This establishes for each word the direction inwhich the bits of this word are to be read. Within the retrace phase IVof a total of 960 μs, therefore, up to ten such 8-bit words aretransmitted, each new word being announced and initiated by a new startbit. Between the end of the last word of such a sequence and the end ofthe retrace phase there are moreover about 60 μs reserve time.

In FIG. 11, such a sequence of e.g. ten words of 8 bits each areindicated by the number 177. Each first word of such a sequence, whichis always transmitted, is an index word. This index word, which in FIG.11 is shown in detail to the bottom representation under number 178broken down into its eight bits, gives information about flow data forthe recording, as, e.g., about recording speed, the channel selection(channels CH1 to CH4, respectively CH1' to CH4', the presence or absenceof trend points, the existence of real time and/or delayed data, etc.The first four words following the index word define delayed signal datafor the four channels CH1, CH2 CH3, and CH4 and are entered in the wordgroup 177 with this designation. At lowest signal transmission speed,normally only one oldest data occurs per retrace phase. At highestspeed, however, up to two oldest data can occur. This last-namedpossibility takes into account a word group 177 by four additionalwords, which are marked in FIG. 11 by CH1', CH2', CH3', CH4'. If,therefore, a total of two delayed data occur per retrace phase, therespective pair is found in the word pairs CH1 and CH1', CH2 and CH2',etc. The tenth and last word of the word group 177 is lastly a word fora trend, if such a trend had previously been requested by a trendevaluator, in particular a trend recorder, via the index word.

Together there results the following scheme of a word group with e.g.ten words:

    ______________________________________                                        Word 1:                                                                              Index word  is always transmitted                                      Word 2:                                                                              CH1         occupied at lowest occurrence rate                         Word 3:                                                                              CH2         1 word/9.778 ms (12.5 mm/s) and                            Word 4:                                                                              CH3         at highest occurrence rate                                 Word 5:                                                                              CH4         2 words/4.884 ms (50 mm/s)                                 Word 6:                                                                              CH1'        not occupied except                                        Word 7:                                                                              CH2'        at highest occurrence rate                                 Word 8:                                                                              CH3'        of 2 words/4.884 ms                                        Word 9:                                                                              CH4'        (50 mm/s)                                                  Word 10:                                                                             Trend point transmitted only upon request                                                 by trend recorder                                          ______________________________________                                    

The 8-bit index word is composed for example as follows:

    ______________________________________                                        BIT 0                                                                         1           Transmission is valid                                             0           Transmission is invalid                                           BITS 7 and 6                                                                  BIT 7   BIT 6                                                                 0       0          no data points transmitted                                 0       1          rate: 1 data point/channel/9.778 ms                        1       0          rate: 1 data point/channel/4.884 ms                        1       1          rate: 2 data points/channel/4.884 ms                       BITS 5 and 4                                                                  Bits 5 and 4 code a channel number per table below:                           BIT 5   BIT 4                                                                 0       0          top channel    Ch 1                                        0       1          middle top channel                                                                           Ch 2                                        1       1          middle bottom channel                                                                        Ch 3                                        1       1          bottom channel Ch 4                                        ______________________________________                                    

Bit 3 identifies whether a trend word for the next display channel isincluded in the transmission ("1" Trend word included) Bits 2 and 1identify the mode of the data points; i.e., normally delayed data, butmay be real-time data if the device has been stopped. See table below:

    ______________________________________                                        BIT 2   BIT 1                                                                 ______________________________________                                        0       0         normal, all delayed data                                    0       1         channel 4 stopped/real time data                                              (Transfer mode)                                             1       0         channel 4 in Cascade Mode                                   1       1         all channels stopped/real time data                          Bit 0 = 1    unit turned on. If zero, the entire                                           transmission is invalid                                         ______________________________________                                    

As mentioned before, a trend word is transmitted only if thetransmission had been requested. This request can come from a recorderassociated with the bedside device. Or it may come via UART through acentral recorder of the central station (cf. description of FIG. 5).

FIG. 12 shows the basic mechanical set-up of an electromedicalmonitoring device with four slide-in modules, as used in connection withthe invention, preferably as bedside device. The device comprises adevice main frame housing 179 with the front panel 180. On the rightside of the front panel is an opening for a recess in the interior ofthe device housing marked 181. Through this opening 181 a total of fourslide-in modules, here numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4 in accordance with thebasic diagram of FIG. 5, can be inserted in the recess. The device isequipped with an x, y, z oscilloscope, the picture screen of which isindicated by 182. The elements 184, 185 on the front panel are controland indicating elements, such as key switches, LED indicating fields,etc. Their arrangement is represented purely schematically. Element 186indicates the previously described LED luminous key for indication andtakeover of the foreign alarm. Element 187 marks, e.g., the reset keyfor an alarm in the device itself.

The devide shown in FIG. 12 is again specifically an electromedicaldevice. The slide-in modules 1 to 4 form part of the signal transmissionsystem for physiological signals which are picked up on the patient'sbody by means of suitable electrodes. For this purpose, electrodes (notshown) are positioned on the patient's body and coupled with therespective slide-in over a signal cable (also not shown). For thispurpose, the slide-ins comprise jacks 188 to 191 for corresponding plugsof the signal cables. The remaining elements 192 to 195 are, again inpurely schematic indication, data keys or LED indicator fields of theslide-in modules. In the example of FIG. 12, the bottom slide-in 4 isfor example an EKG slide-in, the two central slide-ins are e.g.slide-ins for blood pressure and temperature measurement, and the topslide-in serves e.g. for CO₂ measurement. The device shown can becoupled with other similar devices to form a chain of a construction andmode of operation as shown in FIG. 7. Just as well the described devicetogether with a corresponding number of additional devices can beassembled with a central station to form a star connection as shown inFIG. 8.

The order in which the individual slide-in modules 1 to 4 are arrangedin the device of FIG. 12 is entirely arbitrary.

This is ensured in simplest manner according to FIGS. 13 to 15 in thatat least one analog-to-digital converter 196 per slide-in 1 to 4 iscorrelated with the preprocessing microprocessor in the device on theside of the slide-in modules 1 to 4 in signal transmission directionbefore each coupling point 8,9. Regardless of what kind the slide-inmodules are and in what order or spatial correlation to each other theslide-in modules are plugged in to the bay of the device, the individualanalog-to-digital converters 196 of all plugged-in modules 1 to 4 arenow clocked for conversion according to a preset timing from the mainframe circuits. The correlation of individual converted signal values toa module occurs in the processing section in simplest manner by anidentification signal for each single module 1 to 4, which istransmitted in shared time together with the converted signal values.

In the total scheme of this mode of transmission, the analog-to-digitalconverter 196 of each slide-in module 1 to 4 are designed to be asinexpensive as possible and at the same time operate at maximumefficiency. According to the present embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 15, thisis ensured in that analog-to-digital converters 196 are employed, which,at a relatively low given conversion rate per unit time with respect tothe different frequencies of individual signals in the differentfrequency channels, are scanned with correspondingly differentfrequency. FIG. 13 shows as an example, in basic circuit diagram, theessential internal construction of an EKG slide-in with three channels1H, 1A, 1B. Channel 1H is a maximum speed channel; this channel, whichis instrumented only in the EKG slide-in, is scanned 2400 times persecond. By this high scanning frequency, processes of an above averagehigh frequency, e.g., arrhythmic events or pacemaker pulses, are pickedup and indicated in the EKG. The maximum speed channel 1H thus mayoperate in connection with an additional arrhythmia processing section(e.g., arrhythmia computer). Channel 1A, however, is the main datachannel for the EKG. It is scanned 400 times per second. Channel 1B mayserve as a second data channel for another parameter. It is scanned only200 times per second. What has been said for channels 1A and 1B appliessimilarly in principle also for the other three slide-in modules 2 to 4.These slide-in modules contain corresponding channels 2A, 3A, and 4Arespectively 2B, 3B, and 4B.

As has been indicated, all four slide-ins are similarly designed as faras channels A and B are concerned. As shown in FIG. 13, they allcomprise the signal inputs E11 and E12. Each of these signal inputs isfollowed by a preamplifier 197 and 198. Each of the preamplifiers has acontrol input 199, 200 by which the gain can be regulated by controlsignal. The adjustment can be made with reference to bit combinationswhich together with a configuration word for the conversion aretransmitted from the signal-processing section in the main frame to therespective module. The same also applies, e.g., to the pass bandfrequencies of frequency filters 201 and 202, which are adjustable viacorresponding control inputs 203, 204 of the respective filter, likewiseas a function of corresponding bit combinations in theconversion-configuration word. The filters 201 and 202 are followed bystate signalers 205 and 206 which at outputs 207 and 208 bycorresponding bit indicates the respective state of the module in therespective channel. The state signalers 205 and 206 function in a knownmanner, e.g., measuring members which ascertain whether the electrodesfor the individual signals are correctly positioned on the patient'sbody and whether the signal pickup and transmission in the channelsthemselves is in order. These data, together with identification signalsfor the respective module, and e.g., also, together with further datawhich had been introduced, for example, over a bank of keys of a moduleare transmitted as an "auxiliary word from the module toward theprocessing section of the device. In FIG. 13, the bank of keys of amodule is schematically indicated by the number 211. For thetransmission of the auxiliary word, an 8-bit shift register 212 is used,which on four inputs 213 of 1 bit each receives auxiliary data from thesignal transmitters 205 and 206 and possibly from the bank of keys 211.The four bits of the remaining four inputs 214 of shift register 212formulate the identification signal for the respective module. Thesefour inputs 214 for the identification signal are prewired differentlyfor each module. The auxiliary word of the shift register 212 of eachslide-in module, together with the digital data of the A/D converter196, is transmitted via the sending diode 8 to the associatedphoto-receiver 9 in the signal processing section of the device. Thesignal train of digtial data, sent into the device from the respectivemodule 1 to 4, is represented in FIG. 15, bottom. Pulses D1 to D14 arethe digital data of the A/D converter 196. They are shown with diagonalmarks to indicate their value may be zero or one. The interpositionedeight pulses A1 to A8 are the auxiliary data; they form the auxiliaryword and contain the identification signals for identification of therespective sending module. (They, similarly, may be zero or one.)

The pulse train which is transmitted from a light emitter 10 on the mainframe side to a light receiver 11 on the side of the respective module 1to 4, and which sets the conversion timing for the respective A/Dconverter 196, is indicated in FIG. 15, top. This pulse train comprisesper conversion cycle a total of fourteen pulses CL1 to CL14. Theinterspersed pulses CC1 to CC8 are the 8 bits which serve asconfiguration word for adjustment of the filters and amplifiers on thebasis of commands transmitted from the device side. These commands aregenerated by the respective microprocessor on the device side itself.They may be commands which, e.g., by key depression had first beenintroduced from the slide-in and been transmitted as constituents of theauxiliary word from the module to the device and had been returned fromthere to the slide-in after conversion in the respective microprocessoras a constituent of the configuration word. The slide-in modulesthemselves do not contain any active control elements, such asmodule-specific microprocessors or the like. A command input at themodule via keys thus never acts directly on the module; rather, it isalways processed via the microprocessor in the signal processing sectionof the device. Accordingly, each cycle of conversion pulses includecorresponding pulses of a configuration word, by means of which commandscan be carried out in the respective slide-in.

As has been mentioned, each conversion cycle contains a total offourteen clock pulses for the corresponding fourteen conversions at theA/D converter 196. The clock pulses are each 2 μs long and the intervalbetween each other is 12 μs. In each cycle the fourteenth clock pulseCL14 is followed after 24 μs by a last pulse AZ. This pulse AZ is an"Auto Zero Pulse" which, via a pulse forming member 215 (e.g.,monoflop), automatically sets the A/D converter 196 to ZERO. Consideringthat each first clock pulse CL1 is generated only 12.5 μs after thestart of a cycle and the respective cycle is ended only 12 μs afterappearance of the AZ pulse, there results a total duration of a cycle of204.5 μs. Another 12.5 μs after the end of a cycle, a new cycle begins,as indicated schematically in the pulse diagram of FIG. 15, top.

In the basic circuit diagram of FIG. 13, the occurring clock pulses CL1to CL14 for the conversion timing go directly to the A/D converter 196.The eight pulses CC1 to CC8 of the configuration word, instead, areentered in an 8-bit shift register 216. The separating is accomplishedby a separator circuit. But while the respective word of a cycle isbeing registered in shift register 216, the conversion clock of thepreceding cycle is still running. The configuration word of thepreceding cycle is contained in an 8-bit shift register 217. So, while anormal conversion cycle is still running, information for the nextfollowing cycle is already stored in the shift register 216. Therespective module is thus already set for the requirements of the nextfollowing cycle although this cycle has not begun at all. By this designtechnique of advance storage of a configuration word with command datafor a next following cycle, time is saved in the conversion as well.Each configuration word stored in shift register 216 is transferred tothe second shift register 217 in direct parallel storage upon arrival ofthe last pulse CC8. The configuration word for the next following cycleis thus available at the output of the second shift register 217.

As has been mentioned before, the 8-bit shift register 217 supplies atsix outputs 220 a total of six bits, setting information for, e.g.,amplifiers and filters. The two remaining bits at outputs 218 and 219are switching bits for the scanning switches 209 and 210 of channels 1Aand 1B. In addition, by means of AND gate 220b, a third switching signalfor a scan switch 221 in the high-speed channel 1H is generated, whichchannel 1H introduces a filter 222 for high-frequency components. Thetwo bits of outputs 218 and 219 of shift register 218 thus define atwhat rate the individual channels 1H, 1A to 4A, 1B to 4B of theindividual slide-in modules 1 to 4 are scanned. According to a preferredrealization of the invention, the scanning rate over a period durationof 4880 μs is established with the following sequence:

1H, 1A, 1H, 2A, 1H, 3A, 1H, 4A, 1H, 1B, 1H, 2B

1H, 1A, 1H, 2A, 1H, 3A, 1H, 4A, 1H, 3B, 1H, 4B

The A/D converter 196 shown in FIG. 13 may in principle be constructedas described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,588,881. The member between the scanswitches 209, 210, 221, and the A/D converter 196 is an ordinary sampleand hold member.

FIG. 14 shows the basic internal circuitry of the analog-to-digitalcontrol and coupling aligned with the slide-ins for signal and energycoupling on the device side. By comparison with FIG. 5, thepreprocessing microprocessor (Preprocessor) is again marked 13. Arrow 21leads toward main memory 15 (shared memory).

The time base for the pulses of a conversion cycle is furnished by aclock pulse generator 224 (counter) which is synchronized by thepreprocessing processor 13. The pulses of the clock generator enter acontrol unit 225. In this control unit the above described scanningcycle 1H, 1A, 1H, 2A, etc., takes place over appropriate pulse switches.Each clock pulse for 1H goes to a clock line 226 and to a clock line227. The clock pulse of line 226 controls a shift register 241 of ahigh-speed (wide handwidth) analog output.

In line 227, instead, the same clock pulse controls a switch 229 intothe switching position shown. At the same time a switch 230 is closedand via an inverting member 231 a switch 232 is opened. With each clockpulse for 1H there is generated via a control line 223 an enablingsignal for a recirculation register 234 (recirculation register for highspeed) in which conversion pulses 1H are continuously in circulation.The call signal brings about the delivery of a pulse 1H at the output235 of recirculation register 234. Thence pulse 1H passes via the thenclosed switch 230 to a mixer stage 236 which forwards it via switch 229to line 237 and thence via line 238 to the sending diode 10 of thetransmitting channel for the top slide-in module 1. The emitting diode10 sends pulse 1H toward photo-receiver 11 in module 1, which thenforwards it as 1H scanning pulse on the one hand to the A/D converter196, and on the other, to the formation of the shift registers 216, 217.Pulse 1H opens moreover a switch 239. Thereby scanning values of the 1Hchannel which at that moment are being supplied by the A/D converter ofmodule 1 are conducted only to the shift register 241 of a high speed(wide bandwidth) analog output generator 241 to 243. From this shiftregister 241 the respective 1H value passes to a D/A converter 242,which reconverts it to its analog value. The analog value can be placedon a recorder 243. The result is then an analog signal curve givinginformation about events in the EKG of above normal high frequency.

The mixer stage 236 is a pulse mixer in which there are admixed to thepulses 1H, in the given sequence, the remaining scanning pulses for thechannels 1A to 4A and 1B to 4B via a line 244. To these pulses are addedfinally, also, via a line 245, the eight pulses CC1 to CC8 of theconfiguration word which is to be retransmitted into the respectivemodule. The admixing occurs over the closed switch 232. The pulse trainthus mixed is supplied, via switch 229 controlled into the positionshown in dashed lines alternate to the clock pulses 1H position, to amultiplexer 246. This multiplexer, controlled by the preprocessingprocessing 13, then clocks the transmitting diodes 10 via lines 246a,246b, 246c, and 246d. By them light pulses are sent in the desiredsequence to the photo-receivers 11 on the side of the slide-in modules 1to 4, whence they pass as conversion clock to the A/D converters 196 orrespectively as configuration word to the shift registers 216, 217.

In the case of FIG. 14, the high speed channel for the 1H scanning hasassigned to it a fixed slide-in in top position. In the practice,however, relatively high-frequency events occur at most in conjunctionwith EKG measurement. Thus a high speed signal is practically receivedonly when the EKG module is plugged in the first position. If thisposition is occupied, instead, by a slide-in for signals of lowerfrequency, the high speed scanning 1H runs idel. If high speed scanningis wanted, the EKG slide-in must be plugged in position 1. But all otherpositions are selectable at will.

As is illustrated in FIG. 15, bottom, the device receives from therespective module 1 to 4 data D1 to D14 together with an auxiliary wordA1 to A8. This auxiliary word contains also the identification signalfor the respective slide-in module. Now, according to FIG. 14, allpulses received by the photo-receivers 8 on the device side are sent toa pulse line 246e, whence they pass via switch 239, which is alwaysclosed when such pulses occur, to line 247. Thence may be forwarded, onthe one hand, to the input of a first 8-bit shift register 248. On theother hand, they pass via a line 249 also to the input of a second 8-bitshift register 250. Overflow pulses leaving the second shift register250 are clocked via a line 251 into a third shift register 252, which isspecifically a 6-bit shift register.

The shift registers 248, 250 and 252 are clocked by the control unit viaclock lines 253, 254, and 255. The shift registers 250 and 252 run inpush-pull to shift register 248, which is activated via an invertingmember 254. Lines 256, 257, and 258 are enable control lines for therespective shift register. The push-pull at shift register 248 has theresult that there are registered by this register only those data of theoccurring pulse train which occur in pauses of the measured value dataD1 to D14. Such data, however, are data A1 to A8 of the auxiliary word.And so the 8-bit shift register 248 picks up the data of the auxiliaryword. As soon as the first eight single data have occured, overflow tothe 6-bit shift register 252 takes place. At the end of each conversioncycle, the 8-bit shift register 248 contains the auxiliary word, whilein the 8-bit register 250 there are stored the measured data D14 to D7and in the 6-bit register 252 the measured data D6 to D1. The storeddata can now be transferred in groups by polling systems (latches) 259,260, and 261 to the preprocessing processor. Thence, they can be sent tothe main memory via the shared memory and be transferred to the mainprocessor for further processing.

FIG. 16 shows the interaction between preprocessor, shared memory andcentral processor of a device according to FIG. 5. in detailed basiccircuit diagram.

As has been mentioned at the beginning, the preprocessor 13 is not DMAcapable, whereas the central microprocessor 14 is DMA capable, i.e.,this processor is in fixed access correlation to the main (shared)memory 15. Now, by a special circuit design the preprocessor 13 isprepared so that it becomes DMA capable. The circuit operates asfollows:

At certain intervals of time the preprocessor 13 issues a DMA request tothe central processor 14. This is done in that there appears at theoutput of the preprocessor 13 a certain address. In the presentembodiment of FIG. 16 this address consists e.g. of three binary ones.This address passes via an address line 263 to a decoder 264. Thisdecoder 264 recognizes the selected address whenever it occurs.Thereupon it generates at its output 265 a DMA request pulse. This pulsethen passes via a first branch line 266 to the central microprocessor14. Simultaneously, it is sent via a second branch line 267 to a delaymember 268.

The DAM request pulse arriving at the central microprocessor 14initiates a response there. The central processor 14 completes thoseoperations which it had started before arrival of the DMA request andhad not yet completed. Thus, when a DMA request arrives, the centralmicroprocessor is not turned off immediately; some time passes beforeits disconnection (all output buffers of the central processor occupy ahigh-ohm resistance value). During this time span, while the centralprocessor 14 is still in communication with the main memory 15, it mustbe ensured that the preprocessor 13 remains disconnected from access tothe main memory 15.

This is done in simplest manner by the clock delay member 268. Thisdelay member is a frequency demultiplier which reduces the clockfrequency at which the preprocessor 13 is clocked in the normal state toa much lower value compared with the normal value. In the presentembodiment, the normal value of the clock frequency is about 4 MHZ,representing a pulse interval of the clock pulses of 0.25 μs. When theclock delay member 268 is activated by the DMA pulse, it reduces theclock frequency to a value of about 0.33 MHZ. The interval between clockpulses is then about 3 μs.

The normal value of the clock frequency is given by a clock pulsegenerator 269, which furnishes the timing both for the central processor14 and for the preprocessor 13. The pulses of the clock pulse generator269 pass via line 270 to the frequency demultiplier 268. As long as thelatter is switched to normal operation, the clock pulses of line 270 arepassed undelayed via line 271 to the preprocessor 13 as operating clockpulses. But if a DMA request pulse is applied at the frequencydemultiplier, the cycle described above occurs, in which the clockfrequency of the pulses of line 270 is reduced in the manner described.Then only clock pulses of reduced frequency reach the preprocessor 13via line 271. Preprocessor 13 is thereby delayed in its cycle; it is notyet ready for communication despite the DMA request having been issued.This situation changes the moment an acknowledgement signal is given bythe central processor 14, whereby the central processor confirms thatits own communication with the main memory 15 is terminated.

In FIG. 16, this acknowledgement signal appears as DMA-enable signal inthe output line 272 of the central processor. Thence it is applied via aline branch 273 on the one hand to the clock delay member 268; on theother head, it is sent simultaneously via a second line branch 274 tothe output buffers 275, 276, and 277 of preprocessor 13. The enablesignal causes the clock delay member 268 to be reset to its normaloperating position. From that time on member 268 again permits clockpulses of generator 269 of normal frequency to pass to preprocessor 13via the output line 271. Thus, preprocessor 13 again operates at itsnormal operating frequency. In addition, the DMA enable signal switchesthe previously high-ohm output buffers 275 to 277 of preprocessor 13 toforward conduction. All prerequisites of the DMA capability are thusfulfilled; preprocessor 13 can now enter into communication with themain memory 15 via line 21.

Thereby, then, a preprocessor which in itself is not DMA capable isconnected as if it were DMA capable. The described circuit works withsimplest technical means; additional software support of thepreprocessor for the generation of the DMA request is not necessary. Allimportant functions are carried out without the preprocessor itselfbeing aware of them.

In signal reproduction by means of dynamic repeat memories there are, asis known, two possibilities of signal representation:

The first possibility involves one in which oldest information in thememory is continuously being replaced by latest information. On thepicture screen of the display device this leads to a continuous signaltrain of oldest and latest measured values. This display mode, whichproduces migrating signal trains, is commonly referred to as "papermode".

A second display mode is the so-called "fixed mode". Here signalinformation once entered in the memory circulates cyclically, withoutoldest information being replaced by latest information. There resultson the picture screen of the display device a frozen-in signal image.Now to be able to recognize on the continuously circling frozen-in imagewhere beginning and end are in the signal train, it is common practicewhen adopting the "fixed mode" to fade into the plot a vertical barwhich together with the information moves over the picture screencontinuously. The moving vertical bar indicates the boundary between newand old signal information in the memory. It thus shows where thecirculating signal has its beginning and where it ends.

FIG. 17 shows the signal and character display of FIG. 2 in "fixed mode"with moving vertical bar ST. The generation of a vertical bar for "fixedmode" presents no difficulties for the normal known application, thatis, that the information issued cyclically by the picture repeat memoryis put directly on the own display device.

Problems arise, however, when the "fixed mode" is applied to compositevideo display. Direct transmission of a blanking pulse, which is thebasis for bar indication, between individual devices of a chain or starconfiguration is not possible.

FIG. 18 shows a principle how in an especially ingenious manner andwithout great additional circuitry expense also for composite video theuse of bar display is possible, so that here, too, a selective displayin "paper mode" or in "fixed mode" can be effected. The basic circuitdiagram of FIG. 18 is very similar to that of FIG. 6. It is merelysupplemented by those structural elements which are necessary for bargeneration. Accordingly, the device of the diagram of FIG. 18 has twoselector keys 278 and 279. Key 278 selects the "paper mode", key 279,the "fixed mode".

The pushing of a selector key 278 or 279 is registered by the centralmicroprocessor 14 as selection of a certain mode of operation.

Normally switch 280 at the input of the address computer 25 is in the"paper mode" position. By actuation of key 278 the "paper mode" ofoperation is already preselected. The circuit operates as has beendescribed in the preceding passages.

But if the selector key 279 is pushed, the central microprocessor 14generates a switching signal for switch 280. Thus switch 280 iscontrolled into the "fixed mode" position.

This, as distinguished from "paper mode", results in the followingcycle:

The access of new measured value information to the picture repeatmemory 24 is not transmitted by the central microprocessor 14. Theaddress counter 25, however, generates an address strip of, e.g., atotal of 16×8 ONES. This address strip is entered by the address counterat that point in the picture repeat memory 24 at which oldest signalinformation in the memory is adjacent to latest (or newest) signalinformation. The address strip 281 of binary ONES thus differentiatesthe signal beginning in the memory from the signal end.

The address strip 281 of 16×8 ONES is now passed to for the displaydevice together with the continuously circulating stored signalinformation by the frame repeat memory 24, cyclically, via the centralshift register 23. The ONES reach a logic gate 282 which precedes thez-unblanking generator of the x,y,z oscilloscope. The logic gaterecognizes the existence of an address strip of ONES; it thereupongenerates during the time span of occurrence of ONES a blanking signalfor the z-unblanking generator 49 and supplies it to the latter viaswitch 284, which is in the position shown. During the time span of theblanking signal, therefore, the unblanking generator 49 remains switchedoff.

Each address strip 281 of ONES given out by the picture repeat memory 24via shift register 23 goes simultaneously also to the input of the D/Aconverter 47. Thereupon the D/A converter 47 generates an output pulse,whose amplitude is much higher, because of the input informationconsisting only of ONES, than normal occurring signal amplitudes. Thishigh-amplitude output pulse reaches the vertical deflection system 48 ofoscilloscope 28. If there leads to an overcontrol. The electron beam ofthe oscilloscope is deflected very quickly and very far over the picturescreen. Because of the very rapid beam deflection, the flanks of thepulse are not visible. The simultaneously arriving blanking pulse leadsto the blanking in the limits of the deflection pulse. Thus, a darkstrip for "fixed mode" becomes visible on the picture screen of theoscilloscope. This dark strip moves together with the continuouslycirculating signal information of the frozen-in image over the picturescreen of the oscilloscope. Thus, an unambiguous visual expression isalways possible as to where the beginning of the reproduced signals islocated just then in the migrating picture and where the end.

The output pulse of very high amplitude occurring at the output of theD/A converter 47 is supplied, not only to the device-specificoscilloscope, but simultaneously also via the line connection 53, ascomponent of the normal Composite Video signal, to the Composite VideoOutput 30 of the device. Thence, it goes to the Composite Video bus, ifoutput 30 is connected to the bus.

As to the receiving section of a device, there are the followingmodification is provided:

In the receiving section, a comparator 283 is connected at line 59 whichleads from the Composite Video Input 31 to switch 56 for the analogsignal. This comparator has a reference voltage input, at which areference voltage V_(ref) is applied. If any device is switched to"fixed mode" and is to receive Composite Video signals of another devicealso operating in "fixed mode", the Composite Video Output of thesending device and the Composite Video Input of the receiving devide areinterconnected. In chain connection of the devices, this can be done viathe common Composite Video Bus or, in star connection of the devices,via the Central Composite Video Bus of the central station.

The receiving device now receives a Composite Video signal whichcontains in the analog section an output pulse of high amplitude asstrip signal. The appearance of the high-amplitude pulse is recognizedby comparator 283 as a threshold-exceeding event. Thereupon comparator283 generates during the time span of the threshold excess an outputsignal. This output signal now serves specifically as blanking signalfor the unblanking generator 49. It is supplied to the unblankinggenerator 49 via switch 284 now controlled into the position shown inbroken lines. The unblanking generator 49 again causes beam blankingduring occurrence of the remote origin blanking of the strip pulse. Onthe picture screen of the receiving device there now appears the "fixedmode" signal picture of the remote transmitting device with verticalblanking bar as boundary indication for signal beginning and signal end.

FIGS. 1 to 18 describe only a preferred embodiment of the invention. Itis understood that the invention is not limited to this embodiment, butthat there are any desired modifications of the embodiment which all areto be included under the protection of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for generating an x-, a y- and az-coordinate signal for an x, y, z display device to display an analogsignal together with alphanumerical characters, said display devicehaving a transmission line for transmitting signals thereto, comprisingthe following steps:(a) transmitting a composite signal to said displaydevice via said transmission line, the first signal of said compositesignal being a synchronizing start signal, and the other signalscontaining varying analog information for said analog signal and varyingdigital address information for said alphanumerical characters; and (b)generating said x-, y- and z-coordinate signals in said display devicesuch that in predetermined time intervals with reference to saidsynchronizing start signal and in predetermined varying combinations(b1)for the display of said alphanumerical characters the x- andy-coordinate signals are developed and determined by said displaydevice, whereas the remaining z-coordinate signal is developed by saiddisplay device, but is determined from said varying digital addressinformation of said composite signal received via said transmissionline; and (b2) for the display of said analog signal the x-coordinatesignal and a constant z-coordinate signal are developed and determinedby said display device, whereas the remaining y-coordinate signal isdeveloped by said display device, but is determined from said varyinganalog information of said composite signal received via saidtransmission line.
 2. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising the step of developing said predetermined combinations insaid display device from information which is received via saidtransmission line during the first predetermined time interval aftersaid synchronizing start signal.
 3. The method according to claim 2,wherein said combinations are developed from a coded configuration wordsent to said display device in said first time interval.
 4. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein said predetermined combinations aresuchthat in the second predetermined time interval after saidsynchronizing start signal said x- and said y-coordinate signals aredeveloped and determined by said display device, whereas saidz-coordinate signal is determined by one of said other signals of saidcomposite signal; and that in the third predetermined time intervalafter said synchronizing start signal said x- and said z-coordinatesignals are developed and determined by said display device, whereassaid y-coordinate signal is determined by one of said other signals ofsaid composite signal.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein in the firstpredetermined time interval after the synchronizing start signal, they-coordinate signal is brought to a predetermined y-start valuedetermined by information transmitted in said first time interval. 6.The method of claim 1, wherein in the first predetermined time intervalafter said synchronizing start signal, the x-coordinate signal isbrought to a predetermined x-start value determined by said displaydevice.
 7. The method according to claim 3, wherein said predeterminedcombinations are such that in the fourth predetermined time intervalafter said synchronizing start signal said x- and said y-coordinatesignals are developed and determined by said display device, whereassaid z-coordinate signal is determined by one of said other signals ofsaid composite signal.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein saidfirst predetermined time interval is smaller than succeeding timeintervals.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least twodifferent combinations are provided in a sweep cycle between twosuccessive synchronizing start signals of said composite signal.
 10. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising the step of, during thefirst predetermined time interval after said synchronizing start signal,transmitting to said display device information for modifying thedevelopment of said third coordinate signal in said display device. 11.The method according to claim 10, wherein said third coordinate signalis said y-coordinate signal.
 12. The method according to claim 11,wherein said information for modification changes the gain factor of thedevelopment of said y-coordinate signal.
 13. The method according toclaim 10, wherein said information for modifying is a codedconfiguration word sent to said display device.
 14. The method accordingto claim 1, further comprising the steps of(a) transmitting retraceinformation to said display device during the first predetermined timeinterval after said synchronizing start signal in a sweep cycle; (b)storing said information in said display device; and (c) generating insaid display device three re-retrace coordinate signals in the lastpredetermined interval of said sweep cycle between two successivesynchronizing start signals, whereby at least one of said three retracecoordinate signals is determined by said stored information.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14, wherein in the last predetermined timeinterval of said three retrace coordinate signals,(a) said retracex-coordinate signal is developed and determined by said display deviceand reset at least approximately to a predetermined x-start value; and(b) said retrace y- and z-coordinate signals are developed by saiddisplay device, but determined by said stored information.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, wherein said retrace information is contained in acoded configuration word.
 17. The method according to claim 14, whereinduring said last predetermined time interval of said sweep cycle codeddata is transmitted on said transmission line.
 18. The method accordingto claim 17, wherein said coded data comprises a plurality of codedwords, at least one of which is an index word, which supplies additionalinformation to said display device, said additional information beingrelated to the next sweep cycle.
 19. The method according to claim 17,wherein said coded data is transmitted asynchronously within the limitsof said last predetermined time interval of said sweep cycle.
 20. Themethod according to claim 17, wherein said coded data is delayed withrespect to real time.
 21. The method according to claim 4, wherein(a) insaid second predetermined time interval:(a1) said x-coordinate signal issuch that the active element of said display device is moved at a firstconstant speed along the x-coordinate; (a2) said y-coordinate signal issuch that the active element of said display device is rastered at apredetermined frequency and a predetermined amplitude along they-coordinate; (a3) said z-coordinate signal is such that the intensityof said active element is determined by said composite signal; and (b)in said third predetermined time interval:(b1) said x-coordinate signalis such that one active element of said display device continues to moveat the same constant speed along the x-coordinate; (b2) saidy-coordinate signal is such that the displacement of the active elementof said display device along the y-coordinate is determined by saidcomposite signal; (b3) said z-coordinate signal is such that theintensity of said active element is constant.
 22. The method accordingto claim 21, wherein in the fourth predetermined time interval:(1) saidx-coordinate signal is such that the active element of said displaydevice continues to move at the same first constant speed along thex-coordinate; (2) said y-coordinate signal is such that the activeelement of said display device is rastered at the same predeterminedfrequency and the same predetermined amplitude along the y-coordinate;and (3) said z-coordinate signal is such that the intensity of saidactive element is determined by said composite signal.
 23. The methodaccording to claim 22, wherein in the fifth predetermined timeinterval:(1) said x-coordinate signal is such that the active element ofsaid display device is retraced and thereby moved at a second constantspeed along the x-coordinate in a direction opposite to that of theprevious time intervals at least approximately to a predetermined x-slotposition; (2) said y-coordinate signal is a constant predetermined bysaid composite signal; and (3) said z-coordinate signal is such that theintensity of said active element is a constant predetermined by saidcomposite signal.
 24. The method according to claim 21, wherein saidx,y,z display device is an oscilloscope.
 25. A method of generating anx-, a y- and a z-coordinate signal for an x, y, z-display device,characterized by the following steps:a. First a synchronizing startsignal (SP) is transmitted over a transmission line to said x, y,z-display; b. then, as a first time function of said start signal (SP),the x-coordinate signal is reset to a starting point in said displaydevice itself; c. after appearance of said start signal (SP), as asecond time function thereof, also the y-coordinate signal is reset to astarting point in said display device itself; d. after appearance ofsaid start signal (SP), as a third time function thereof, saidx-coordinate signal (X(t)) is generated in said display device (28, 29)itself, whereby at least the form of said x-coordinate signal (X(t)) ispreset in said display device (28, 29); e. after appearance of saidstart signal (SP), as a fourth time function thereof, said y-coordinatesignal (Y(t)) is generated, which consists in a sweep duringpredetermined time sections of partial signals (y=Y_(R)), which aregenerated in said display device (28, 29) itself and which are preset insaid display device (28, 29) at least in their form, which form differsfrom the form of said x-coordinate signal, and of pauses between saidpartial signals (y=Y_(R)), whereby a first information variable (A) isintroduced into said pauses via said transmission line; f. afterappearance of said start signal (SP), as a fifth time function thereof,said z-coordinate signal (z(t)) is generated, which in a sweep duringpredetermined time sections consists of partial signals (z=constant),which are generated in said display device (28, 29) itself and which arepreset in said display device at least in their form which differs fromthe forms of the x-coordinate signals and of the y-coordinate signals,and of pauses between these partial signals, whereby a secondinformation variable (CA) is introduced into said pauses via saidtransmission line, and whereby said pauses and signals of saidz-coordinate signal (Z(t)) are time-staggered relative to said pausesand signals of said y-coordinate signal (Y(t)).
 26. The method accordingto claim 25, wherein said signals (z=constant) and pauses of saidz-coordinate signal are time-staggered relative to said signals (Y_(R))and pauses of said y-coordinate signal in such a way that during a timeperiod, in which the signal (Y_(R)) of said y-coordinate signal presetas to form is generated in said display device itself, a first pauseexists in said z-coordinate signal, and wherein said second informationvariable (CA) is introduced into this pause via said transmission line.27. The method according to claim 26, wherein during a time span inwhich the signal (z=constant) of said z-coordinate signal preset as toform is generated in said display device itself, a second pause existsin said y-coordinate signal, and wherein said first information variable(A) is introduced into said second pause via said transmission line. 28.The method according to claim 25, characterized in that said startsignal is a synchronizing pulse (SP) which by one of its two pulse edgesactivates the x-coordinate signal in said display device (28, 29). 29.The method according to claim 28, characterized in that saidsynchronizing pulse (SP) activates said x-coordinate signal with itstrailing edge.
 30. The method according to claim 25, characterized inthat said start signal (SP) in the x, y, z device, after a presettabledelay time (80 μs), triggers an x-ramp voltage generator (50) whichgenerator (50) generates an x-ramp voltage (X_(R)) as said x-coordinatesignal.
 31. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that saidy-coordinate signal is generated delayed by a presettable time relativeto the time (t₀) at which said start signal (SP) activates saidx-coordinate signal in said display device.
 32. The method according toclaim 25, characterized in that said z-coordinate signal is generateddelayed by a presettable time span relative to the moment of appearanceof said start signal (SP).
 33. The method according to claim 25,characterized in that the signals (y=Y_(R)) of the y-coordinate signalwhich are generated in the display device (28, 29) itself are rapidy-rasters.
 34. The method according to claim 33 characterized in thatthe rapid y-rasters (y=Y_(R)) in conjunction with gating signals of acharacter generator (45) mounted in the display device (28, 29) are thebasis for the display of alphanumerical characters.
 35. The methodaccording to claim 34, characterized in that said gating signals of saidcharacter generator (45) are converted to unblanking pulses in anunblanking system (49) of said x, y, z display device (28, 29).
 36. Themethod according to claim 25, characterized in that, in the time period(T₁ -t₀) between the delivery of a start signal (SP) and the generationof the y-coordinate signal, there is sent via said transmission line tosaid display device a y-configuration word which serves for thelocation-correct, form-correct, and time-correct positioning ofy-components according to a predetermined pattern.
 37. The methodaccording to claim 36, characterized in that said pattern is a signalimage of a first display device, and that said signal image which istransferred to a second display device separated therefrom.
 38. Themethod according to claim 25, characterized in that said firstinformation variable (A) is an analog signal.
 39. The method accordingto claim 38, characterized in that said analog signal (A) is aphysiological signal of a patient.
 40. The method according to claim 25,characterized in that said second information variable (CA) are digitaladdress signals for a character generator (45) provided in said displaydevice, which generator, according to these address signals and inconcordance with a rapid y-raster, brings about z-gating signals at anunblanking generator (49).
 41. The method according to claim 40,characterized in that by alternate address selection of said charactergenerator (45) at least one character per channel in a single characterfield is assigned to a single analog signal (A).
 42. An apparatus forgenerating an x-, y- and a z-coordinate signal for an x, y, z-displaydevice, characterized by:a. a start signal generator (27) outside thedisplay device (28, 29) for the generation of a start signal (SP), b. anx-generator (50) inside the display device for the generation of anx-coordinate signal (X_(R)) as a first time function of the startsignal, c. a y-generator (46) inside the display device for thegeneration of those signals (Y_(R)) of the y-coordinate signal whoseform is preset, as a second time function of the start signal, d. az-generator (45, 49) inside the display device for the generation ofthose signals (z=constant) of the z-coordinate signal whose form ispreset, as a third time function of the start signal, e. a first signalgenerator (1 to 24) outside the display device which furnishes the firstinformation variable (A), f. a second signal generator (1 to 24) outsidethe display device which furnishes the second information variable (CA),g. a signal control system (23, 24, 25) which, in the pauses between thesignals (Y_(R)) of the y-coordinate signal generated in the displaydevice itself, introduces the first information variable (A) into thesignal display, andwhich, in pauses which are time-staggered to saidpauses between the signals (z=constant) of the z-coordinate signalsgenerated in the display device itself, introduces the secondinformation variable (CA) into the signal display.
 43. The apparatusaccording to claim 42, wherein said x, y, z display device (28, 29),said first and second signal generators (23 to 27) and said start signalgenerator (27) are located in a common housing.
 44. The apparatusaccording to claim 42, wherein said x, y, z display device (28, 29) ismounted in a first housing which is separated from a second housing inwhich are mounted said first and second signal generators (23 to 27).45. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein a special signal output(30) is provided for supplying a composite video signal.
 46. Theapparatus according to claim 45, wherein means are provided for feedingsaid composite video signal from said special signal output (30) into acomposite video bus.
 47. The apparatus according to claim 42, whereinsaid display device (28, 29) comprises a special signal input (31) forfeeding therein foreign composite video signals from a composite videobus.
 48. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein a chain connectionof a plurality of apparatuses containing display devices is provided,said chain connection having a common composite video bus (64) fortransmitting composite video signals of said display devices (60 to 63)to each other.
 49. The apparatus according to claim 42, wherein acentral unit (83) and a star connection of a plurality of apparatusescontaining display devices are provided, said display devices generatingcomposite video signals and being associated with a composite video busof its own, and wherein said composite video signals (CVB 1 to CVB n) ofsaid display devices (84, 85, etc.) can be transmitted via their owncomposite video bus (90, 91, 92, etc.) to said central unit (83) whichgenerates a central composite video signal (CVC).
 50. The apparatusaccording to claim 49, wherein a central composite video bus (132) isprovided for feeding said central composite video signal (CVC) to saiddisplay devices (84, 85, etc.).
 51. Apparatus according to claim 42,characterized in that, between the signal generators (1 to 24) whichtransmit those signals (e.g., SP, A, CA) which are not generated in thedisplay device (28, 29) itself and the signal generators (44 to 50)which generate signals x-reset (X_(R), Y_(R), z-constant,) inside thedisplay device, a tap (51 to 53) for the former signals is providedwhich leads to a special device output.
 52. Apparatus according to claim51, characterized in that the device, output (Composite Video Output 30)leads to a composite video bus into which the composite video signaloccurring at the device output can be fed.
 53. Apparatus according toclaim 52, characterized in that, in a device configuration with centralunit (83), all composite video signals (CVB 1 to CVB n) of each singledevice (84, 85, etc.) are conducted to the central unit in star form viaa device-specific composite video bus (90, 91, 92, etc.) for each, sothat the central unit can display signals of any device of the starconfiguration on a central x, y, z display device (96).
 54. Apparatusaccording to claim 53, characterized in that in the star configuration acentral composite video bus (132) is transmitted from the common centralunit (83) to the devices (84, 85, etc.) so that each bedside device cantake over the central composite video signal (CVC) and display itinstead of its own signal on its own x,y,z display device (86, 87,etc.).
 55. Apparatus according to claim 51, characterized in that, in adevice configuration in which all single devices (60 to 63) areconnected in a chain without additional central unit, the compositevideo signals can be supplied to a single composite video bus (64)common to all devices (60 to 63), and that the composite video signal ofany other device can be taken over from the common composite video (64)by a single device (60, 61, 62, or 63) and be reproduced instead of theown signal on the own x,y,z display device (79, 80, 81, or 82). 56.Apparatus according to claim 55, characterized in that in addition tothe common composite video bus (64) all devices of the chainconfiguration are connected together also via an alarm bus (65) whichreceives and forwards alarm signals produced by a device when thesignals of such a device signal at least one critical state of aconnected patient.
 57. Apparatus according to claim 55, characterized inthat all devices (60 to 63) are connected together also via a commonsynchronization bus (66) into which the devices feed the synchronizationpulse (SP) for the starting of an x-deflection.
 58. Apparatus accordingto claim 57, characterized in that all devices are excitedsimultaneously in their x-reset and subsequent x-deflection by thatsynchronization pulse (SP) which of all fed synchronization pulses isthe first to appear.
 59. Apparatus according to claim 52, characterizedin that each device (60 to 63 or 84, 85, etc.) of any deviceconfiguration comprises a device output (30) for the device-specificcomposite video signal and a device input (31) for a device-foreignComposite Video signal.
 60. Apparatus according to claim 59,characterized in that the composite video output (30) and the compositevideo input (31) of each device have correlated with them oppositelyoperating switches (71 to 78, 133, 134, etc.) which can be controlled sothat at least in that case where a device is to feed its composite videosignal into the composite video bus, the respective composite videooutput switch is closed, while the composite video input switch is open.61. Apparatus according to claim 60, characterized in that in chainconnection of the devices (60 to 63) without own central unit upon alarmat a device (e.g., 63) the composite video output switch (74) of therespective device is closed, so that the composite video signal of thealarm-giving device (63) is fed into the composite video bus (64). 62.Apparatus according to claim 60, characterized in that in case at leastone of the devices (e.g., 63) of a chain connection gives alarm, onlythe CVO switch (74) of this device is closed, while all other CVOswitches (71, 72, 73) of the other devices are open.